Ohio to Supersonic: Flying the SR-71 Blackbird to the Secret World of the Skunk Works
By Matt Bittner
Volume 3: Ohio to Supersonic: Flying the SR-71 Blackbird to the Secret World of the Skunk Works
Author: Colonel Richard E. 'Butch' Sheffield
Publisher: Helion & Company Limited
ISBN: 978-1-804519-41-7
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 310
Being a prior United States Air Force (USAF) Officer from Ohio - and interested in reading about Cold War subjects - I knew I wanted to read this book. The author was from Rootstown, OH, and as an Officer flew the SR-71 (amongst other types). Before I continue with more of the review, I need to say upfront that the text hasn't been edited and remains in the form the Colonel wrote it before his passing. That means there are some errors in the text itself, plus some spelling errors and other things that could have been edited further. But I completely understand the reason why his daughter (whom pursued the book's publication and provided some editing and the Foreword) wanted to keep it in his own voice. Just be aware of that up front.
Now, about the man himself. As I mentioned, he grew up in Rootstown and joined the Air Force before he was to be drafted during the war in Vietnam. He was one of a few that were able to be an Air Force pilot without a college degree (my uncle, whom flew USAF transports during 'Nam, was also one) and went quite far. It took him 20 years to finally acquire his college degree. When he retired from the USAF he went on to a position with the House Ways and Means Committee. He left that job for one inside Lockheed's Skunk Works (the maker of the SR-71) and was the only Skunk Works representative in Washington D.C. His life was truly fascinating.
While with the SR-71 he had a number of firsts: he and his rear-seater were the first two USAF Officers to fly the SR-71; he was the first to eject out of an SR-71; and was the first to fly the SR-71 out of the US to Kadena AFB, Korea. A remarkable career. If you enjoy reading the exploits of people that were in the midst of the Cold War, flying the highest, fastest jet in the world, then this is definitely your book. Just remember it's written in his voice and that will make it all the more worthwhile.
I sincerely thank Helion & Company Limited for giving me the opportunity to read about this very unique individual.